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Miley saving D-backs 'pen from wear and tear

Miley saving D-backs 'pen from wear and tear

DENVER -- The statistics page will show that D-backs left-hander Wade Miley does not have any saves this year.

In reality, however, Miley has twice saved Arizona manager Kirk Gibson from wearing out the bullpen.

Last Sunday, when Josh Collmenter lasted just three innings against the Giants, Miley came in and threw four scoreless innings, which allowed the D-backs to rally and eventually win the game.

Then on Saturday, Miley once again came on in relief of Collmenter and threw three scoreless innings, which allowed the D-backs to rally although they eventually lost in the ninth.

"He's great," Gibson said of Miley. "He's got a good mentality, a good demeanor for doing that. The thing he did really well was he pounded the zone, he just kept coming after them. He had great results."

A starter throughout his Minor League career, Miley started seven games for the D-backs after being called up in August and made one relief appearance.

"As a starter or a reliever you're just trying to get guys out any way you can," Miley said when asked if he was better suited to one role or the other. "Whether it's 0-0 or 5-0 I'm still going to try and do the same thing. That's how I feel."

It's an attitude that his teammates appreciate.

"He just comes in, grabs the ball and loves to pitch," second baseman Aaron Hill said. "He pounds the zone. When he's been called upon he's done the job."